USA > Tennessee > History of the Evangelical Lutheran Tennessee Synod > Part 5
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7. A petition from the congregation at Coldwater, Cabarrus County, North Carolina, signed by fifteen persons, asking to be served by a minister of this Synod, and stating that they do not wish to stand in connection with the General Synod, nor to be served by any of its ministers.
In regard to this, it was resolved, that Rev. Adam Miller visit them during his next journey to North Caro- lina, and that Rev. David Henkel visit them as often as possible, till Synod shall be able to make better arrange- ments to supply them.
8. A petition for the examination of Mr. Jacob Costner for the office of Deacon. It was resolved, that Revs. Paul Henkel and Adam Miller examine him and report to Synod.
Letters and Communications Received.
The following is the substance of letters and communi- cations received, read, and acted on :
I. A letter from Rev. Daniel Moser, in which he states his inability to be present, his desire that the next session of Synod be held in North Carolina, giving assurance that it would prove satisfactory to the people, that it might tend to healing the breach hitherto existing, and that Rev. Philip Henkel be requested to visit the congregations.
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With respect to this letter, it was resolved, that if Rev. Mr. Moser had given some positive information as to whether he has absented himself from the General Synod, Synod could give him a more satisfactory answer, but in view of the present aspect of things, it can make no definite reply, further than that it desires him to come to some decisive conclusion as soon as possible.
2. A communication, signed by three elders and eight church members, from St. Peter's Church, Rockingham County, Virginia, in which they indicate their adherence to this Synod, and certify the election of Mr. Ambrose Henkel as their delegate.
3. A letter from Rev. Jacob Zink, in which he states that he baptized twenty-eight adults and sixty-nine infants in the State of Louisiana, but many more in the State of Indiana,-the exact number of which he cannot give at this time ; that the congregations are all united in opposi- tion to the General Synod; that the General Synod is not Lutheran; that the most of the people in Kentucky,- Lutherans and German Reformed,-are opposed to the General Synod, and that he heartily desires to be present at the meeting of Synod, but is deprived of this privilege. Rev. Zink's absence was excused.
4. A letter from Mr. George Goodman, Cabarrus County, North Carolina, stating, that he much desired to be in attendance at the meeting of Synod, but was prevented by important circumstances from so doing, and that he wished to have a statement inserted in the Minutes in what respects Synod is governed by a majority.
In reply, the following is the gist of the answer: Re- solved, that, as the Bible is the only rule and standard of doctrine and church discipline, and as the Augsburg Con- fession is a clear and correct presentation of the more im- portant doctrines and principles of the Bible, a majority have no right to decide in these matters, in opposition to tliese teachings, but in other matters, such as deciding the time and place for meetings, and matters that do not come
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in conflict with the aforenamed standard, the majority have a right to decide.
On the report of the examining committee, it was re- solved, that Mr. Jacob Costner be ordained to the office of . Deacon in his congregation, by Revs. Paul Henkel and David Henkel, or by one or the other of them,-which was done.
It was also unanimously resolved that examinations of candidates for the office of Pastor, shall be publicly before the Synod.
According to the petition from Missouri, Mr. Christian Moretz was publicly examined, and sustained a favorable examination. He was then ordained as a Deacon.
Mr. Conrad Keicher asked the question : Is slavery to be considered as an evil? In reply, the Synod unanimously resolved, that it is to be regarded as a great evil in our land, and it desires the government, if it be possible, to devise some way by which this evil can be removed. Synod also advised every minister to admonish every master to treat his slaves properly, and to exercise his Christian duties towards them. This probably was the first move in that direction in the South.
Deacon George Easterly was publicly examined as to his qualifications for the office of Pastor, and having sus- tained a favorable examination, was ordained to that office, Rev. David Henkel preaching a suitable ordination sermon " on the occasion.
It was resolved, that Rev. Adam Miller's journal of his last summer's travels, be appended to the Minutes.
Synod approved the objections compiled by the com- mittee, appointed at the last year's session, in opposition to the constitution of the General Synod.
In regard to the suggestion made at the previous ses- sion, that every applicant for the office of Pastor must be acquainted with the Greek language, it was resolved, that, as the opportunities for acquiring such knowledge, are not always accessible, the Synod, whilst it regards such knowl-
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edge as highly useful, cannot, at this time, demand such re- quirement.
It was resolved, that Synod meet in Sinking Spring Church, eleven miles west of Greenville, Tennessee, on the third Sunday in October, 1823.
In regard to the action taken at the last session relative to St. Paul's School, Tennessee, the matter was referred to a society to be soon organized for that purpose.
Synod agreed to patronize the printing of Dr: Luther's Sermon Book.
The following is the Parochial Report :
Rev. Jacob Zink baptized 69 infants and 28 adults ; Rev. David Henkel, 182 infants and 16 adults, and confirm- ed 32 slaves and 47 white persons ; Rev. Philip Henkel, 107 infants and 14 adults and I slave, and confirmed 74 ; Rev. Paul Henkel, 66 infants and 5 adults, and confirmed 36 ; Deacon C. Moretz, 29 infants ; Deacon George Easterly, 7 infants and I adult ; Rev. Adam Miller, 89 infants and 8 adults. Rev. Joseph Harr, no report.
Fourth Session.
In its fourth convention, this Synod met in Sinking Spring Church, Green County, Tennessee, October, 1823.
On Saturday, Rev. George Easterly preached from Acts 2, 38-40, and Rev. Philip Henkel from Eph. 2, 8. The services were well attended.
On Sunday, Rev. David Henkel based his serinon on I Cor. 11, 23-29. The Lord's Supper was then adminis- tered to 81 communicants; after which Rev. David Henkel preached again, on the text John 1, 14. During these serv- ices the audiences were large and appreciative.
Monday, October 20, the members of Synod having assembled, the Synod was opened with singing and prayer, followed by a kind, brotherly address, indicating the chief object of the meeting.
The ministers present were, Revs. Philip Henkel, Green County, Tennessee, George Easterly, pastor loci,
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David Henkel, Lincoln County, North Carolina ; Rev. Paul Henkel rendered an excuse for absence, on account of in- disposition, -he was excused,-Rev. Adam Miller sent a letter showing his desire to be present, but indicating the cause of his absence, as resulting from the extent of his visitations, which prevented him from being able to reach the place of Synod, in time. He was excused. Rev. Zink was also absent.
Deacons-Christian Moretz, of Missouri, and Jacob Costner, of Lincoln County, North Carolina. Joseph Harr departed this life since the last meeting. We have been unable to find any obituary notice in regard to him.
Lay-delegates-Messrs. Frederick Schaeffer, place of meeting, Henry Meyer, Golden Spring Church, Green County, Henry Long, St. Paul's Church, Knox County, George Schaeffer, Zion's Church, Sullivan County, John Maurer, St. Paul's Church, Monroe County, John Keicher, Emmanuel Church, Adam Herrmann, Union Church, Washington County, Daniel Olinger, Bethesda Church, Green County, Tennessee; George Goodman, of North Car- olina; Ambrose Henkel, Shenandoah County, Virginia ; Emanuel Permann, Solomon's Church, Green County, Con- rad Easterly, St. Jacob's Church, Green County, Jacob Wiszler, Washington County, and Michael Brenner, St. Jacob's Church, Sevier County, Tennessee.
1. The proceedings of the last year's session were read. Rev. David Henkel stated, that, up to this time, he had not, on account of certain circumstances, ordained Richard Blalock to the office of the ministry, according to the resolu- tion passed at the previous session.
2. In regard to the meeting held, last summer, in Nel- son County, Kentucky, a printed paper was read. The Synod expressed its entire approbation with the result, and recognized the members of Harrison's Church, Nelson Coun- ty, Kentucky, and those who met with them in that meet- ing, as brethren, giving assurance, that, as far as possible,
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it will care for them, and indicating regret, that Rev. Paul Henkel, on account of sickness, could not be at that con- ference.
3. It was resolved, that all who applied for ministerial services from this Synod, be supplied as far as possible. It was also stated, that Rev. Paul Henkel visited the three congregations, which had applied for services, and preached for them, baptized their children, instructed their catechu- mens, and administered them the Lord's Supper, last fall. 4. In regard to the resolution passed at the last year's session, relative to the circulation of Luther's Writings, as fast as possible, it was stated, that three of Luther's Ser- mons were already printed, and can be obtained at Dr. Solomon Henkel's printing establishment, New Market, Shenandoah County, Virginia.
The Parochial Report presented is as follows :
Rev. Philip Henkel baptized 87 infants and 12 adults, and confirmed 50 white persons; Rev. George Easterly, 52 infants and 5 adults, and confirmed 13 white persons ; Rev. David Henkel, 159 infants and 2 adults, and confirmed 7 slaves and 57 white persons ; Rev. Christian Moretz, 87 in- fants and 9 adults ; Rev. Adam Miller, 100 infants and 12 adults, and confirmed 6 slaves and 12 white persons.
The following petitions were received and read :
I. A petition from Keinadt's (Koiner's) Church, Au- gusta County, Virginia, in which they state, that they have no regular minister at this time, in consequence of the fact that they do not desire a minister from the General Synod, that they do not regard that Synod as Scriptural, and hence they cannot consistently call a minister from it, and that as they regard our Synod as adhering to the Augsburg Con- fession, they turn their attention to it for the purpose of obtaining a teacher.
2. A petition from the Hawksbill Church, Shenandoah County, now Page County, Virginia, in which they say, that, as Rev. Paul Henkel cannot serve them now, in con- sequence of ill health, they might secure the services of a
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minister in connection with the General Synod, but in view of its doctrinal position, they do not desire to do so, and hence they petition for the promotion of Mr. Ainbrose Henkel to the office of the ministry, vouching for his moral character.
3. A petition from Pine Church, Shenandoah County, Virginia, now St. Mary's, of similar import to that of the former.
4. A petition from Cape Girardeau, Perry, Wayne, and Madison Counties, Missouri, requesting the ordination of Deacon Christian Moretz to the office of Pastor, and giving evidence of his good character.
5. A petition from Valley Church, Wythe County, Virginia, in which the petitioners indicate, that they do not wish any longer to co-operate with the North Carolina Synod, that they have withdrawn from it, and desire to be received into our Synod, and also that their preacher, Rev. Andrew Sechrist, acquiesces in this move.
6. A petition from the Church in the Fork, Washing- ton County, Virginia, asking for the promotion of Rev. Andrew Sechrist in the ministerial office.
7. A petition from Zion's congregation, Sullivan County, Tennessee, in which they express a desire, that, if Rev. Adam Miller cannot serve them more frequently, Andrew Sechrist serve them.
8. A petition from Rader's Church, Rockingham County, Virginia, signed by the church council, in which they state, that, as they have no opportunity to be served by a minister, unless it be by one from the General Synod, and seeing that our Synod still adheres to the Augsburg Confession, they desire our Synod to supply them with a minister. They further state, that Rev. Philip Henkel preached for them once last summer, and that they have such confidence in him as induces them to desire him to serve them.
9. A petition from Emmanuel Church, Washington County, Tennessee, in which the petitioners desire the next
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meeting of Synod to be held in their church; whereupon Ambrose Henkel also presented a verbal petition from four congregations in Virginia to the same effect.
10. A petition from three congregations in Davidson County, formerly Rowan County, North Carolina, in which the petitioners express their heartfelt thanks for the services received from our Synod, and pray for a continuance of the same.
II. A petition from the congregation in Jeffersontown, Jefferson County, Kentucky, petitioning for a minister be- longing to our Synod; especially for David Henkel.
12. A petition from a congregation in Clark County, on Fourteen-mile Creek, Indiana, asking our Synod to provide them with a minister.
13. A petition, verbally stated by Rev. David Henkel, on behalf of Mr. George Risch, in Tennessee Valley, for a minister.
The following action was taken in regard to these petitions :
I. With respect to petitions 5, 6, and 7, in regard to the reception of Mr. Sechrist, it was resolved, that, as he indicates in writing that he accepts and holds our position, he be received and examined, and, if he sustain a proper examination, he be ordained.
2. Relative to petition 4, concerning the pastoral ordi- nation of Deacon C. Moretz, it was resolved, that, as he has faithfully served for two years in his present office, and sustained'an irreproachable character, if he sustain a favor- able examination, he be ordained to the office of Pastor.
3. In reference to 2 and 3, as to the reception of Mr. Ambrose Henkel as a deacon, it was resolved, that he be received and examined, and, if found qualified, he be or- dained to the office of Deacon.
Hereupon, the examination of these three applicants took place, and they stood a favorable examination. After the examination, Rev. David Henkel preached an ordina- tion sermon fromn Eph. 4, 3-14; after which the applicants
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were ordained with prayer and with the imposition of hands.
4. In reference to petitions, numbers 1, 8, 10, 11, 12, and 13, relative to services from this Synod, it was resolved, that every preacher present agree to visit a certain district in the bounds of the petitioners desiring services. It was further resolved, that, in the future, when a minister cannot be at Synod, he shall, when necessary, attend to such dis- trict as may be assigned to him.
It was also resolved, that Rev. George Easterly visit the congregations in Davidson County, North Carolina, this fall; that, in the spring, Rev. Sechrist visit them again, in case Rev. Adam Miller cannot visit them; and that Rev. Adam Miller visit the petitioners in Augusta, Rockingham, and Shenandoah Counties, Virginia, next spring or in the beginning of summer.
Rev. George Easterly was requested to visit Mr. Risch, in Haywood, North Carolina, this fall.
In the event Mr. Sechrist does not visit Davidson Coun- ty till spring, thus making it possible for Rev. Miller to make both visits, he shall serve Rev. Miller's congregations, during his absence.
Rev. Moretz was appointed to visit the petitioners in Kentucky and Indiana, this fall, and in the spring or the early part of the summer, either Rev. Philip. Henkel or David Henkel is to visit them again .*
Relative to the verbal petition, number 9, it was re- solved, that the next meeting of Synod be held in Keinadt's (Koiner's) Church, Augusta County, Virginia, twelve miles east of Staunton, and begin on the first Sunday in Septem- ber, 1824.
In this connection appears a paper, in which it is stated, that a German periodical, published in Baltimore, Maryland, bearing date, June 25, 1823, was received, in which, it is learned, that, during its last session, in the town of Lebanon,
* It seems to have been the object of Synod, to serve all congrega- tions, that petitioned for services, as far as it was possible for it to do.
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Pennsylvania, the Lutheran Synod of Pennsylvania with- drew its connection with the General Synod, by resolving not to send any more delegates to it, and that this resolution shall continue in force, in the future, until the congrega- tions themselves shall revoke it. For this move, certain reasons were assigned, which indicate dissatisfaction on the part of many with the plan of the General Synod.
In view of this fact, in order to obtain desired informa- tion, this Synod deemed it not improper to submit the fol- lowing inquiries to the Pennsylvania Synod, asking a reply :
I. "Do you believe, that Holy Baptism, administered with natural water, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, effects the forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and the devil, and confers everlasting salvation upon all who believe it, as the words and promises of God declare?
2. "Do you believe, that the true body and blood of Christ, under the form of bread and wine in the Holy Sup- per, are present, administered, and received? Do you also believe, that the unbelieving communicants receive in this Supper the body and blood of Christ, under the form of bread and wine?
"We do not ask whether the unbelievers obtain the forgiveness of their sins thereby, but whether they also re- ceive the body and blood of Jesus in this Sacrament.
3. "Do you believe, that Jesus Christ, as true God and man in one person, should be worshiped ?
4. "Is it right for the Evangelical Lutheran Church to unite with any religious organization that seeks to deny the doctrines of the Augsburg Confession and Luther's Cate- chism ? Or is it right for Lutherans to go to the Holy Sup- per with such ?
5. "Is your Synod to be henceforth ruled by a majority of the voters ?
6. "Does your Synod intend still to adhere to the declaration, that Jesus Christ, the Great Head of his Church, has given no special direction or order for the establishment
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of Church Government, as it is declared in the Constitution of the General Synod?
"Your answers to these questions in writing, addressed to our Secretary, Rev. David Henkel, Lincolnton, Lincoln County, North Carolina, will be duly appreciated."
Fifth Session.
This Synod met, in its fifth session, in Keinadt's (Koiner's) Church, Augusta County, Virginia, September 6, 1824.
On Saturday, Rev. George Easterly preached on Heb. II, 6. On Sunday, Rev. Daniel Moser preached on Tit. 3, 4-7. He was followed by Rev. David Henkel in the En- glish. Then Rev. Philip Henkel preached on I Cor. 11, 26. The Lord's Supper was administered. The house was filled with devout worshipers.
On Monday, the members of Synod assembled. The pastors present were: Revs. Paul Henkel, New Market, Virginia ; Adam Miller, Sullivan County, Tennessee; Philip Henkel, Green County, Tennessee ; George Easterly, of the same County as the latter; David Henkel, Lincoln County, North Carolina. Revs. Jacob Zink and Christian Moretz were absent.
Deacons-Ambrose Henkel, New Market, Virginia. Andrew Sechrist and Jacob Costner were absent.
Delegates-Messrs. George Goodinan, Cabarrus County, North Carolina, representing nine congregations; Ludwig Stein, Sullivan County, John Renner, Green County, Ten- nessee; Daniel Tussing, Pine Church, Shenandoah County, Virginia; Joseph Nehs, Green County, Tennessee; Martin Meyer and John Printz, Hawksbill Church, Shenandoah, now Page County, Virginia; Peter Schaeffer and John Bauman, Rader's Church, Rockingham County, Virginia ; Henry Miller, Philip Church, Rockingham County, Vir- ginia; Casper Keinadt and Jacob Keinadt (Koiner), of the place of meeting.
I. Rev. George Henry Riemenschneider, of Pendleton
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County, Virginia, having applied for reception into Synod, having given, in writing, satisfactory evidence of his acqui- escence with the doctrines and position of Synod, and that more than a year ago he had withdrawn from the Maryland Synod, and a paper, signed by nineteen leading church members, having been presented, vouching for his irre- proachable, Christian character, he was received as a regu- lar member of Synod, by the extension of the right hand of fellowship.
2. Rev. Daniel Moser, Lincoln County, North Caro- lina, having expressed a desire to be received into connec- tion with this Synod, and a petition, number six, signed by members of three of his congregations, testifying to his good moral conduct, and certifying that since 1820 neither they nor their minister belonged to any synod, and asking to be received into Synod ; and Rev. Moser, in writing over his own signature, stating that he regarded the doctrines maintained by the Tennessee Synod as in accord with the Augsburg Confession, it was resolved, that he and his con- gregations be received, and that he be recognized by Synod as one of its pastors.
At 12 M., Rev. Riemenschneider preached on I Cor. 10, 15.
3. Rev. David Henkel having stated that during his travels he met Rev. Zink, who informed him that for cer- tain reasons over which he had no control, he could not be present ; he was excused, and Rev. Riemenschneider moved that a letter be sent him in the name of the Synod, express- ing its appreciation of his labors and encouraging him to continue steadfast in his office.
The following petitions were then read :
I. A petition from Messrs. Andrew Bastian, Peter Allbrecht, and John Setzer, signed by the Sewitzen Church, Rowan County, North Carolina, praying that one of our ministers might visit them, as they desired a minister who teaches according to the fundamental doctrines and regula- tions of the Lutheran Church.
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2. A petition from a congregation in Nelson County, Kentucky, expressing their gratification on account of services already rendered by Synod, and a desire for a con- tinuation of such services.
3. A petition from a church in Jefferson County, Ken- tucky, expressing gratitude for the inestimable services ren- dered them by Rev. David Henkel, speaking of him in most favorable termis, and praying for further services.
In connection with this, it should be observed, that Rev. David Henkel was most cordially received and liber- ally remunerated by these two congregations in Kentucky for his services, and that he received similar treatment from the brethren in Indiana.
4. A petition, signed by the councils of four congrega- tions in Davidson County, North Carolina, in which they express their sincere thanks for services already received, and petition for a preacher.
5. A petition, signed by the elders and deacons of Philadelphia congregation, Lincoln County, North Caro- lina, in which they pray that a committee be elected, and that the North Carolina Synod be requested to appoint a similar one, and that these two committees meet, and show and state publicly the differences in doctrine between the two synods.
6. A petition from Rev. Daniel Moser's congregation of similar import.
7. A petition from St. John's Church, Lincoln County, North Carolina, of same import.
8. A petition from St. Jacob's Church, Tennessee, in which the petitioners request that less labor be imposed on Rev. Philip Henkel, in traveling, and if this cannot be done, that some other minister serve them during his absence.
9. A petition from Hawksbill Church, Virginia, and a verbal petition from three other churches, praying for the ordination of Mr. Ambrose Henkel to the office of Pastor.
10. A petition from Rader's Church, Virginia, stating
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that they have had no minister for a long time, that their young people are being neglected, and that hence they de- sire that Rev. Adam Miller serve them. In connection with this, there is a petition from old Pine Church of similar import. It also asks for the services of Ambrose Henkel.
II. A petition from a congregation in Harrison County, Indiana, asking for ministerial services.
In regard to petitions numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 10, and 11, asking for services, it was resolved that the following min- isters spend two months each before the next meeting of Synod, in visiting and serving these petitioners: Revs. Adam Miller, George Easterly, Philip Henkel, David Henkel, Daniel Moser, and Ambrose Henkel, and that they arrange the sections which each one is to visit to suit themselves.
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